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Evaluation of developmental defects of enamel and differential diagnosis from dental caries using quantitative light-induced fluorescence technology: A cross-sectional investigation

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Evaluation of developmental defects of enamel and differential diagnosis from dental caries using quantitative light-induced fluorescence technology: A cross-sectional investigation Authors: Lee, Seong Joon; Choi, Hyung-Jun; Lee, Jaeho; Song, Je Seon; Lee, Ko Eun; Kang, Chung-Min; 이승준 Abstract: Objectives: Dental caries and developmental defects of enamel (DDE) are common conditions that impact oral health. Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) is widely used for detecting dental caries, but its ability to identify DDE remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate fluorescence differences among sound, carious, and DDE-affected teeth using QLF, and to differentiate white hypomineralization from incipient caries. Methods: Data from 704 teeth in 137 patients under 20 years old were analyzed. QLF images were acquired, and fluorescence parameters were measured. Statistical tests included Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Linear mixed-effects models, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Results: Delta F values progressively decreased and Delta R values increased from sound to DDE-affected to carious teeth (p < 0.001). Within DDE, fluorescence changes differed significantly according to defect subtype, with combined defects showing the greatest mineral loss and bacterial activity (p < 0.001 for Delta F, p = 0.008 for Delta R). White hypomineralization showed higher Delta F values and lower Delta R values than yellow/brown hypomineralization (p < 0.001). Significant fluorescence differences were observed between white hypomineralization and International Caries Detection and Assessment System scores 1 and 2 lesions (p < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed excellent accuracy for distinguishing white hypomineralization from incipient caries, with areas under the curve of 0.970 for Delta F mean and 0.979 for Delta R mean. The optimal cutoff values were -7.65 for Delta F mean and 23.50 for Delta R mean, respectively. Conclusions: QLF provides effective quantitative support for differentiating DDE from incipient caries. Clinical Significance: Quantitative light-induced fluorescence provides objective parameters for differentiating developmental defects of enamel from incipient dental caries. By offering quantitative cutoff values, this approach supports more accurate diagnosis of clinically ambiguous white spot lesions, reduces the risk of overtreatment, and facilitates prevention-oriented and minimally invasive treatment planning in routine dental practice.

Longitudinal analysis of oral microbiome changes during the neonatal period in full-term and preterm newborns

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Longitudinal analysis of oral microbiome changes during the neonatal period in full-term and preterm newborns Authors: Lee, Taeyang; Kim, Hyun-Yi; Han, Jung Ho; Shin, Jeong Eun; Song, Na-Young; Chung, Won-Yoon; Kang, Chung-Min Abstract: BackgroundThe neonatal period is critical for oral microbiome establishment, but temporal patterns in preterm newborns remain unclear. This study examined longitudinal microbiome changes in full-term and preterm newborns and assessed perinatal and clinical influences.MethodsOral swabs were collected from 98 newborns (23 full-term, 75 preterm). Samples were obtained at birth and Day 2 for full-term, and at birth, Day 7, and Day 28 for preterm newborns. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze microbial diversity, taxonomic shifts, and virulence-related genes.ResultsPreterm newborns showed persistently lower alpha-diversity and delayed succession compared with full-term newborns. Full-term infants transitioned rapidly from Proteobacteria-dominant to Firmicutes- and Actinobacteria-rich communities, while preterm infants maintained Proteobacteria longer. Diversity in preterm newborns was significantly affected by gestational age, birthweight, delivery mode, feeding type, and beta-lactam exposure. Breastfeeding supported more stable diversity, whereas cesarean delivery and formula feeding reduced diversity. Functional profiling revealed greater abundance of virulence-associated genes in preterm newborns, suggesting differences in early host-microbe interactions. ConclusionsPreterm newborns exhibit delayed oral microbiome development, influenced by multiple modifiable factors. Supportive strategies, such as breastfeeding and prudent antibiotic use, may help foster microbial stability and potentially reduce infection risk in this vulnerable population.

Mechanical performance of 3D-printed and milled resins for pediatric provisional restorations

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Mechanical performance of 3D-printed and milled resins for pediatric provisional restorations Authors: Song, Ji-Su; Shin, Yooseok; Kim, Jee-Hwan; Lee, Ko Eun; Lee, Jiho; Min, Jinhong; Kim, Hoon; Song, Je Seon Abstract: Given the growth-related challenges in pediatric and adolescent patients and the increasing adoption of digital workflows, durable yet adaptable materials are needed for provisional restorations. This study evaluated the mechanical performance of two 3D-printed resins, Graphy TC-80DP (GP) and NextDent C&B MFH (ND), and a milled nano-hybrid resin, Mazic Duro (MD). A multidimensional assessment was conducted, including fracture resistance, flexural strength, flexural modulus, viscoelasticity, and polymerization behavior. ND showed the highest fracture resistance, MD exhibited superior flexural strength and flexural modulus, and GP demonstrated faster polymerization and greater thermal stability. These findings suggest that both 3D-printed and milled resins are clinically viable for pediatric provisional restorations, with material selection depending on occlusal load, patient age, and functional demands.

Optimizing fluorescence-based caries detection: A diagnostic performance analysis of SmarTooth and DIAGNOdent pen

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Optimizing fluorescence-based caries detection: A diagnostic performance analysis of SmarTooth and DIAGNOdent pen Authors: Kim, Kyusik; Jung, Hoi-In; Park, Wonse; Lee, Ko Eun; Kang, Chung-Min; Song, Je Seon Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of DIAGNOdent (laser fluorescence [LF] pen; Kavo, Biberach, Germany), SmarTooth (SM; Smartooth, Korea), and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II (ICDAS II) scoring system in detecting occlusal dental caries in permanent teeth, with micro-computed tomography (CT) as the gold standard. Furthermore, the optimal cut-off values for the two devices were determined. Methods: In total, 173 occlusal sites from extracted permanent teeth were assessed using the LF pen, SM, and ICDAS II. Radiographic values obtained using micro-CT were set as the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and optimal cut-off points were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: At the enamel demineralization (D1) and dentin demineralization (D2) thresholds, ICDAS II exhibited the highest sensitivity (D1: 0.966, D2: 0.897), whereas the LF pen exhibited the highest specificity (D1: 1.000, D2: 0.913). SM exhibited higher accuracy than did ICDAS II and the LF pen for both the D1 and D2 thresholds. The optimal cut-offs for the LF pen were as follows: sound: 0-9, enamel caries: 10-20, and dentin caries: 21-99; those for SM were as follows: sound: 0-8, enamel caries: 9-18, and dentin caries: 19-99. Conclusions: Both the LF pen and SM have high diagnostic performance for occlusal dental caries. However, SM achieves the best overall accuracy and thus has strong potential as an effective tool for caries detection.